2024 Ohio Wheat Performance Test

M.W. Hankinson, J.S. McCormick, A.B. Geyer, C.H. Sneller, L.E. Lindsey, Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science
P. Paul, Dept. Of Plant Pathology
D.G. Lohnes, Information Technology Services
Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center / Ohio State University Extension

The purpose of the 2024 Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality, and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on performance from multiple test sites and years.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

Each entry was evaluated at five test sites using four replications per site in a randomized complete block design. Plots consisted of seven rows, 7.5 inches apart and 25 ft long. Participating companies specified the seeding rate used for each of their varieties. Test sites were planted within 2 weeks of the fly-free date. Approximately 30 lb N/acre was applied at planting with 80-100 lb N/acre in early spring. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were applied as needed. Soybean was the previous crop and fields were minimally-tilled at all locations. The following data were collected:

Yield is reported in bushels per acre at 13.5% moisture.

Test Weight is reported in lb/bushel averaged across all locations.

Seed Size is thousands of harvested seeds per pound (Ex: 15.5 = 15,500 seeds per lb.).

Lodging is the percent of plants that lean more than 45° from vertical.

Plant Height is the distance in inches from the soil surface to the top of the heads.

Heading Date was the average calendar day of the year on which 50% of the heads were completely emerged at the Union county location (Ex: Day 136 = May 15).

Stagonospora Leaf and Glume Blight disease evaluations were not included in this year’s report due to earlier than normal maturity. Please contact your seed dealer for disease resistance information.

Powdery Mildew disease evaluations were not included in this year’s report due to earlier than normal maturity. Please contact your seed dealer for disease resistance information.

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Varieties were evaluated in an inoculated disease screening nursery in Wooster (Wayne County). FHB was rated as the percentage of spikelets showing disease symptoms.

Flour Yield is the percent flour yield from milled whole grain.

Flour Softness is the percent of fine-granular milled flour. Values higher than approximately 50 indicate kernel textures that are appropriate for soft wheat. Generally, high values are more desirable.

GROWING CONDITIONS

In fall 2023, wheat was planted within 14 days of the fly-free date. Fall growth was good, and wheat entered dormancy in great condition. Higher than normal growing degree days in March through June accelerated crop development. Wheat was harvested about 10 days earlier than normal. Overall, wheat yield was lower than the previous year likely due to higher levels of disease and shorter grain fill period. Grain yield averaged between 65.8 and 96.1 bu/acre among the five locations.

RESULTS

Results of the 2024 wheat performance test are presented in Tables 1-3. Entries in the data tables are arranged by seed source. A least significant difference (LSD) value can be used to determine if the performance of two varieties was statistically different. The yields of two varieties are expected to be significantly different 90 percent of the time if their yields differ by more than the reported LSD value. Flour yield and softness tests were performed by USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory, at OARDC in Wooster, OH, Dr. Byung-Kee Baik, Director.

Test results for the 84 winter wheat varieties evaluated in 2024 are presented in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 contain multi-year variety performance data. Depending on variety and test site, yields varied between 55.8 and 106.3 bu/acre and test weight ranged from 56.5 to 60.6 lb/bu. Yield differences among test sites were due primarily to the soil drainage, weather during the grain fill period and harvest, and disease level. Variety selection should be based on disease resistance, average yield across test sites and years (Tables 2 & 3), winter hardiness, test weight, and standability. Table 4 includes grain quality (flour yield and softness) and disease information.

Table 5 contains the company contact information and seed treatments used for each variety entered. This report is online at: https://ohiocroptest.cfaes.osu.edu/wheattrials/. Any column of data can be sorted by clicking at the top of the column, which makes it easy to arrange varieties in order by any characteristic for comparison purposes.

Inclusion of varieties in the Ohio Wheat Performance Test does not constitute an endorsement of any variety by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, or Ohio State University Extension.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgments: We thank our farmer cooperators for their contributions to the 2024 wheat variety testing program. We are grateful for the assistance provided by Ken Scaife, OARDC Field Operations, Wooster and Matt Davis, OARDC Northwest Branch Research Station. Special thanks to Rich Minyo, OARDC Wooster, for his assistance and expertise.

7/2024
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, David Civittolo, Interim Director, Ohio State University Extension.